Researcher: VDD (TAD) (Onderstepoort) at Agricultural Research Council

Description

• The incumbent will be involved in research activities on transboundary animal diseases (TAD) such as foot and mouth (FMD) disease and African Swine fever (ASF). 
• Research work will focus on but is not limited to the development of improved vaccines and diagnostic assays.
• The job entails, but not limited to:
• Management of projects: initiate, manage and contribute to national research projects.
• Writes and submits research proposals, Sources new National research opportunities.
• Compile detailed reports and seek approval for final reports.
• Publishes popular, semi-scientific and peer-reviewed papers (in journals with high impact factor), Seeks networking opportunities.
• Attend scientific gatherings, be aware of intellectual property, disseminate research results by presenting oral and poster contributions.
• Plans and co-ordinates research activities within single or multidisciplinary team.
• Manage projects: initiate, manage and contribute to new national research projects.
• Manage project budgets: is accountable for compiling and managing project budget. Develops business cases for all project expenditure requirements.
• Management of human resources: identifies the need for human resources and manages them.
• Supports senior research team in special research projects.
• Identifies and manages resource needs and procurement.
• Identifies risks and mitigation plans within the research focus area.
• Maintain and manage assets from research activities.
• Human capacity development: Develops own capacity at an appropriate level, identifies and participates in own learning opportunities and supervise or co-supervise students.
• Adheres to company policy and safety guidelines.
• Performing all research work mainly in a biosafety level 3 (BSL3) laboratory and adhering to all rules and regulations thereof, including a five-day quarantine period before visiting an area, feedlot or abattoir where cloven hoofed animals are housed once you have been in the BSL3 laboratory.

Requirements

• PhD OR MSc/MTech with 5 years’ experience post MSc/MTech qualification, in Veterinary Virology, Molecular Biology, Diagnostic Development, Life Sciences or related disciplines.

The following would be an advantage:

• A tertiary major in Genetics or Microbiology.
• A track record of publications (at least 3 peer reviewed publications related to the advertised post), supervising students (MSc and/ or PhD) and obtaining research funding.
• Participating as a speaker nationally and internationally. Show competence in presenting research results.
• Knowledge and experience in DNA cloning and molecular biology techniques such as nucleic acid extraction, cDNA synthesis, specialized PCR techniques as well as trouble shooting of PCRs, protein expression systems, cell culture, serological techniques, immunological techniques such as ELISPOT and Flow cytometry as well as DNA sequencing, including NGS and analysis and editing of the data thereof using specific software.
• Knowledge in virology and immunology is important and experience in related laboratory techniques thereof is an advantage.
• Knowledge in developing improved vaccines through genetic engineering and diagnostic assays such as ELISA’s and VNTS.
• Knowledge/experience in phage display technology.
• Registration with a relevant profession council (e.g. SAVC or SACNASP).
• Network of National and International partnerships and networks.
• Strategic and operational planning skills and expertise.